Why INEC Should Review the Use of Academics as Returning Officers in 2027

I am concerned by reports that senior academics from public universities in northern Nigeria met with political figures and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. Academics have the constitutional right to participate in politics. However, INEC has often appointed vice-chancellors and senior lecturers as returning and collation officers. Political involvement by people who may later oversee election results could raise serious concerns about impartiality. For the 2027 elections to be credible, INEC should review its selection process and appoint officials whose independence is beyond doubt. Election officials must not only be impartial; they must also command the confidence of voters across the country.

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